UtilitiesWednesday, November 4
Minnesota Power asks state regulators for a 17.8% rate increase
The Daily Duluth team
If you get your power from Minnesota Power, a bigger bill may be coming. The company asked state regulators for a $134 million, or 17.8%, increase in revenue. That would raise the average residential bill by about $24 a month, and 97.9 WEVE says the company filed Monday.
Minnesota Power's interim ask is smaller than its full request
| Full request | Measure | Interim, from January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 17.8% | Revenue increase | 15.0% |
| $24 | Residential bill, per month | $15 |
Sources: hometownsource.com, 97.9 WEVE
- Customers: about 150,000 in northeastern Minnesota
- Last rate request: 2023
- Review: likely a year or longer
- Refund with interest if final rates land below interim
The company points to operating costs, grid and renewable investments, and inflation. It also says the idling of the Minorca Mine and partial idling of the Hibbing Taconite mine cut its sales without changing grid costs. It says the proposed Hermantown data center isn't a factor.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will set an interim increase. Minnesota Power is asking for a net 15%, about $15 a month for residential customers, starting in January 2027. Public meetings will be held for customers to comment, and details are at mnpower.com.
70%of the interim increase offset by bill credits in 2027
Minnesota Power says recently announced bill credits would offset about 70% of the interim increase in 2027.
Source: hometownsource.com
Sources: hometownsource.com, 97.9 WEVE